Suryakantham

Surrounded by an ensemble cast, including Karthik Appala, Kanchan Bamane, and Perlene Bhesania, the 2019 Telugu romantic drama film "Suryakantham" tells an arresting tale of love, self-discovery, and acceptance. Directed by debutant Pranith Bramandapally, the movie presents a rollercoaster of emotions that perfectly encapsulates life's unexpected moments, the dynamics of love affairs, and the power of choice and decisions.

The movie presents the world through the eyes of the movie’s voluble female lead - Suryakantam (played by Perlene Bhesania). The character is far from your typical heroine and deeply unsettling as she's quirky, flawed, and equally terrified of commitment. Her eccentricity is a dialled-up mixture of boldness and vulnerability, which she portrays with absolute grace and vigour that sets the film's tone apart from the norms. Also, her impulsive nature and inability to make serious life decisions add a comedic layer to the undercurrent drama.

On the other hand, we have Abhi (Karthik Appala), a simple, well-grounded man who falls for the chaos that is Suryakantham. His unconditional love prompts him to go through an emotional labyrinth while trying to understand and accept Suryakantham's character. The dialogue delivery and acting prowess of Appala beautifully bring out all the nuances of his character, varying from frustration and exasperation to profound love and ultimate serenity.

Kanchan Bamane, supporting the lead pair, plays an essential role in the film. She brings additional charm and high energy to the screenplay playing Abhi’s mother, adding credibility to the story.

"Suryakantham" isn't just a love story. It is a narrative that paves a way for characters to fumble, make mistakes, and learn from them. The movie’s central theme revolves around ‘human imperfections’. The story captures the essence of the fear of commitment most vividly where Suryakantham's wild and uncommitted spirit conflicts with Abhi's calm and steadfast love. This inherent clash becomes the undercurrent that drives the entire film.

The movie also provides an interesting perspective on today's nuclear family system and how it affects the bonds and relationships we form. Although some nail-biting scenes emphasise the strain on personal relationships, they subtly hint at the aftermath of broken families. This blend of romance and aspects of a dysfunctional family narrative gives "Suryakantham" a unique storytelling advantage.

The screenwriting by Pranith Bramandapally is intelligently carved. The dialogues are well-executed, brimming with the right balance of comic timings, raw emotions, and stark reality that keeps the viewers gripped. The development and transition of characters are coherent with the storyline, intriguing the viewers and keeping them engaged till the end. The screenplay shines out by exposing different shades to each character over the course of the film.

Director Bramandapally also ensures that the film offers a visual treat. Be it capturing the essence of Hyderabad city or beautifully filming the intense confrontations between the characters; the cinematography plays a pivotal role in enhancing the storyline. The mellow music by Mark. K. Robin mellifluously melts into the narrative, hitting the right notes at the right moments, beautifully complimenting the storytelling.

"Suryakantham" showcases how refreshing and unique Telugu cinema can be in storytelling, pushing the boundaries of romantic dramas. Breaking away from traditional perspectives and stories, the film attempts to question societal norms while providing an engaging and thought-provoking experience. In the end, the film provokes viewers to question their perceptions about love, commitment, and interpersonal relationships.

With its entertaining script, outstanding performances, and novel concepts, "Suryakantham" serves as a refreshing addition to Telugu cinema. It's a skillful blend of humour, drama, and romance, served with a uniquely grounded and realistic portrayal of characters that viewers from all walks of life can identify with. It’s a must-watch for those who enjoy relatable characters, thought-provoking themes, and a rollercoaster of emotions in their cinematic experiences. It's engaging, relatable, and above all, it’s all about celebrating life with its flaws and imperfections.